Cricket

IPL Digest: Netizens Accuse CSK Of Ball Tampering; MS Dhoni Wants To Stay Relevant; Dream Debut Of Vignesh Puthur

From Mallapuram, Kerala, Vignesh Puthur is pursuing a Master's in English Literature at PTM Government College. The son of an autorickshaw driver and a housewife, he hasn't played First-Class cricket but has shown enough talent to join the Mumbai Indians

Chennai Super Kings Mahendra Singh Dhoni, right, talks to MI player. AP
Chennai Super Kings' Mahendra Singh Dhoni, right, talks to Mumbai Indians' young debutant Vignesh Puthur after Chennai Super Kings won the Indian Premier League cricket match against Mumbai Indians in Chennai. AP Photo/R. Parthibhan
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The second matchday of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 was filled with actions, thrillers and an interesting debut of Vignesh Puthur. Chennai Super Kings defeated arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in their first match of the new season whereas Sunrisers Hyderabad dominated Rajasthan Royals at their backyard. (Full Coverage | More Cricket News)

Here are the top developments and viral social media stories about Matchday 3 of IPL 2025.

IPL Debut Of Vignesh Puthur

A few words of appreciation from legendary MS Dhoni would mean a lot to Vignesh Puthur, the 24-year-old spinner for the Mumbai Indians, who made a mark in the IPL with a three-wicket haul on his debut.

Not only did his skills impress, but his determination and self-belief also stood out. Despite the Mumbai Indians starting the season with a defeat, Puthur's performance against the Chennai Super Kings was a highlight.

His three wickets included Ruturaj Gaikwad (53), Shivam Dube (9), and Deepak Hooda (3), all unable to score against him.

From Mallapuram, Kerala, Puthur is pursuing a Master's in English Literature at PTM Government College. The son of an autorickshaw driver and a housewife, he hasn't played First-Class cricket but has shown enough talent to join the Mumbai Indians.

Since joining the team, Puthur has engaged with coaches and training facilities, allowing his cricket journey to flourish.

DC Vs LSG - Clash Of Clans

Delhi Capitals are set to clash with Lucknow Super Giants in Match 4 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Monday night in Visakhapatnam. This match marks the first game of Rishabh Pant as captain of LSG.

Pant was acquired for a record-breaking price of INR 27 crore in the IPL mega auction last year. KL Rahul, who captained LSG last season, will now play for DC this season, which adds an exciting twist to the rivalry.

Axar Patel, retained by DC for INR 18 crore, will be leading his team in this match. The game promises to be thrilling, especially with LSG dealing with injuries to some of their key bowlers.

Buzz Of Ball Tampering In CSK Vs MI Match

Khaleel Ahmed and CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad faced scrutiny recently when netizens accused them of involvement in a ball tampering incident during the first over of CSK's bowling. Gaikwad handed the new ball to Ahmed, who then gave him something that Gaikwad placed into his pocket.

Social media erupted with many users accusing CSK of ball tampering. However, replays showed that Ahmed had actually given Gaikwad his finger protector (tape), which Gaikwad then kept in his pocket.

I Need To Adapt To Stay Relevant: MS Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings Mahendra Singh Dhoni steps out to bat. AP
Chennai Super Kings' Mahendra Singh Dhoni steps out to bat during the Indian Premier League cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in Chennai. AP Photo/R. Parthibhan
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Rejecting the speculation that he is the behind-the-scenes decision-maker for Chennai Super Kings, despite having handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, the iconic Mahendra Singh Dhoni stated that he is focused on reinventing himself and his strokes to "stay relevant" in the IPL.

In an interview with 'JioStar' following CSK's four-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians in their season opener on Sunday night, Dhoni discussed team dynamics under Gaikwad, his own performance, and the regional commentary in the ongoing league.

"Batsmen are now willing to take risks. They believe that with proper cricketing shots, they can execute big strokes while also improvising their shot selection, whether it라이브 바카라 a reverse scoop against a fast bowler, a sweep, or a reverse sweep against a pacer.

"I am no different; I have to adapt as well. This is what is required of me for the position I am batting in. You have to try and stay relevant," Dhoni said.

Marcus Stoinis Wants To Follow Dhoni, Faf's Paths

Marcus Stoinis, a 35-year-old all-rounder from Australia and the Punjab Kings, has decided to focus exclusively on T20 cricket. He aims to extend his playing career, and he cites experienced players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Faf du Plessis as examples of how to achieve longevity in the sport.

His decision to retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs) ahead of the Champions Trophy surprised many in the cricketing world. However, in an interview with PTI, Stoinis explained that this decision was carefully considered and was the best way for him to prolong his career.

With a clear vision for his future, Stoinis is eager to dedicate his energy to playing T20 cricket both for Australia and internationally. One of his top goals is to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will be included as an event.

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